Accessory Rail Slot Adapter for Tool-Free Bipod Mounting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for attaching auxiliary devices, such as bipods, to firearms are cumbersome, require special tools, and result in bulkier configurations prone to breakage and instability, especially under external forces, and often necessitate modifications that can damage the firearm.

Innovation Solution

An accessory rail with an integral slot adapter for direct and secure attachment of bipods and other accessories, allowing one-handed, tool-free attachment and detachment, eliminating the need for separate adapter devices and reducing bulk, while ensuring secure and durable attachment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If mount adapter devices are used to attach accessories to accessory rails, then quick field modification of firearm configurations is enabled, but the size and bulk of the overall firearm configuration increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvequick field modificationVSAvoidfirearm configuration bulk

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The slot adapter is integrated directly into the accessory rail structure, merging the adapter function with the rail itself. This eliminates the need for separate mount adapter devices while maintaining the quick attachment capability, thereby reducing the overall bulk of the firearm configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Ease of operation

If locking levers are used in mount adapter devices, then releasable attachment is achieved, but the locking levers are prone to breakage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereleasable attachmentVSAvoidlocking lever durability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The vulnerable locking lever component is removed from the design. Instead, the invention uses a slot-based engagement system where attachment links with pins directly engage with slots and engagement walls, eliminating the breaking-prone locking lever while maintaining releasable attachment capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Adaptability or versatility

If two-step attachment mechanism is used (accessory to adapter, then adapter to rail), then versatile attachment is achieved, but the attachment process becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment flexibilityVSAvoidattachment mechanism steps

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment mechanism is merged into a single integrated system where the accessory attachment links directly engage with the rail's slot adapter. This combines what was previously two separate attachment steps into one direct action, reducing complexity while maintaining versatility through the slot-based design that accommodates different accessory configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS20130031820A1Accessory Rails with Slot Adapters and Mechanisms of Use

Publication Date: 2013.02.07 SAMAK ENTERPRISES LLC

AI summary

The accessory rail is mountable on a primary device, such as a firearm, for releasably attaching an auxiliary device directly to the accessory rail. The accessory rail generally includes a rail body and at least one slot adapter, which is integrally formed within the rail body, for receiving attachment means of the auxiliary device.